Google Docs' 'pageless' mode is no longer the default view on Android

Google Docs mobile app overflow menu
(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

What you need to know

  • Google Docs' paginated view is now the default format on Android phones and tablets.
  • The pageless mode was the default format when this feature was introduced last year.
  • In addition, the Google Drive app on foldable devices adjusts the controls within the item preview viewer based on the device's position.

Google Docs on smartphones and tablets now launches in a paginated format after several months of offering a "pageless" mode by default.

The latest change means that you'll now see pages and page breaks when you first open an existing document. However, if a document's page setup was previously set to pageless, you'll continue to see a continuously scrolling page by default without breaks, Google announced in a blog post.

To do that, open any document on an Android phone or tablet and tap the "Edit" button in the bottom-right corner. After that, navigate to the overflow (three-dot) menu in the top right corner and choose "Page setup." Then, toggle the "Pageless" option on.

Images will adjust to fit your screen size in this format, and you can create wide tables and view them by scrolling left and right. Pageless mode, on the other hand, hides certain elements of a document, such as headers, footers, and watermarks.

When Google announced the pageless format, all Docs files have since defaulted to the continuous scrolling view. This means that the document will scroll down as you type, with no page breaks in between.

It's unclear why Google switched back to paginated mode on smartphones and tablets. However, the latest change is seen as a step backward because those devices have smaller screens than laptops, making it difficult to see a lot of text on the screen at once. The pageless format makes it easier to read and edit long documents on a small screen.

On the other hand, with page breaks, you have to scroll up and down to see the entire document, which can be difficult on a smartphone.

Meanwhile, the Google Drive app on foldable devices has received a new update. The app's controls within the item preview viewer now adjust to the position of the foldable device. This means the viewer "will intelligently respond" to whether the foldable phone is opened, closed, or partially opened.

Jay Bonggolto
News Writer & Reviewer

Jay Bonggolto always keeps a nose for news. He has been writing about consumer tech and apps for as long as he can remember, and he has used a variety of Android phones since falling in love with Jelly Bean. Send him a direct message via Twitter or LinkedIn.

Read more
Google Chrome logo on a phone screen
Google is updating Chrome for Android to fill more of your screen
Family link mockups on Android phones.
Google gives Family Link a new look and plans new supervision tools
Gemini response on Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google Gemini preps wider rollout of 'Ask about this PDF' overlay button
Google Photos library tab showing its logo above the favorites and utilities buttons
Partner Sharing support for third-party app images returns to Google Photos
Google Photos app on a Pixel 4a held in one hand outdoors.
Google Photos on Android gets an 'undo backup' option to help you free up cloud space
The Modes menu on a Pixel 9 showing Do Not Disturb turned on
Modes have replaced Do Not Disturb on your Pixel. Here's how to use them
Latest in Apps & Software
A Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite placard at a press event
Qualcomm's 'Elite' branding should stay exclusive to Oryon-based chips
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Home Screen - 16x9
Heads up — Samsung's detailed One UI 7 rollout schedule for Galaxy appears
The old Android logo at Google's Pier 57 building in New York City
Report claims Google may move to 'privately' develop Android's future
Latest in News
Pixel Watch 3 run coaching suggestion in the Fitbit app on a Pixel 9
Fitbit's Health Metrics are getting a redesign on Android and iOS
The Galaxy S24 Plus in hand with a light behind it
Samsung's sixth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 rolls out as launch nears
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge on display
New leak shows off Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge in 'Titanium' variants
Google discusses trends and AI updates to help people travel this summer.
Google prepares you for a hot summer with new AI updates for traveling
YouTube Music home screen
YouTube Music's personalized radio stations are getting even smarter